Money Saving Tips Go Too Far
I'm a subscriber to several newsletters that give tips on saving cash. Lately I've noticed some tips from readers that seem to go a little too far.
Such as these (these are real):
"If you share a laundry room, you can discreetly pick other users' fabric softener sheets from the trash. They go into the dryer with someone's clean clothes, so they're clean. Most people discard them after one use, but they are still effective for a few more. I haven't bought softener sheets since sometime in the early 70's." Judy
"Ladies, there is no need to buy expensive shaving creams or gels to shave your legs in the shower. Wash your hair first. Before you rinse your hair, use the excess lather on your legs and then shave." Elizabeth in Ohio
"Recently, I read a tip about washing and re-using swim diapers. I found a way to take this a step further. I am in the middle of potty-training my two-year-old. He does fine in training pants during the day, but he always wakes up in the mornings and after his afternoon nap wet.
For a while, I used cloth diapers for his sleeping and when we travel out of town (every weekend), but they had really become a pain to deal with on the road. I considered buying Pull-Ups for him until I read article about the swim diapers. I happened to have four swim diapers on hand, and for the last two weeks, I have used them in place of the cloth diapers. I love them! I'm enjoying the convenience without the price!
However, they are not as absorbent as regular diapers so I wouldn't recommend using them in place of disposable diapers for smaller children. You will end up with a mess on your hand. Use for potty training accidents only!" Jennifer
I will be the first to admit that I'm a frugal person, but even I buy fabric softener sheets and shaving cream. These tips will cut down your expenses maybe $10-$15 a year. And reusing a stranger's fabric softener sheets is more than a little strange. I'm not a baby or a diaper expert, but if I ever do have a child, I don't believe washing diapers is in my or my wife's future.
In line with the above quotes, I've decided to create a list of a few other money saving tips to submit to these sites:
Buy your underwear at Goodwill. Why buy 4 pair at Wal Mart for $6 when you can buy them already worn in and comfortable for 25 cents a pair?
If you share a sink with someone, you can discreetly use some of the toothpaste they've spit out. It tends to take a little while to wash down the sink and still contains a lot of the flavor. I haven't bought toothpaste since the 80's!
Wash other people's disposable diapers and use them for your baby. I see people just throwing them away all the time. Why pay for the initial package when there are so many to salvage for free?
Sell your children into slavery. Instead of having more mouths to feed, you will be making a few bucks. This can really add up.
If anyone would like to add their own extreme money saving tips, I've left this post open for comments. -J
That was funny.
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